Adventure Made Easy: Canoeing Day Trip to Barrier Lake/Spray Lake

One of the great ways to take in the colours of fall out in the Rockies is from the seat of a canoe. Limited crowds, uninterrupted views- it’s truly hard to beat. Below, I want to highlight some information on safe and environmentally friendly canoeing for the day-tripper.

In the Rockies there is no short on scenery, and picking your lake is generally an easy task. The real challenge for most can be the expense of a watercraft, but through several amazing outdoor rental centers you are given the option to rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board from any length of time while sticking to a low daily budget. Not only does renting allow you a sample of the fun without the large expense or commitment, it offers a reduction of new material cost waste, and a touch of sustainability.

For our weekend getaway the Barrier Lake located in the Kananaskis and Spray Lake located just outside of Canmore were selected. When picking your lake, as a small non-motorized boat you tend to have more options, so the main factors of choice come down to: lake size, how busy the lake will be, distance from your point of origin and of course views. Both lakes are close to major cities (Calgary, Canmore) and offer a “spoke” effect for other activities such as hiking, picnics, wildlife/area information centres and other sightseeing.

Aside from beautiful views, you want to make sure you follow safety regulations and ensure all parties on your boat have lifejackets or a personal flotation device (PFD). In larger lakes, such a Barrier Lake where there is strong wind, this helps keep you feeling safe and ultimately prepared for any situation.

While you may want to bring snacks, remember to be environmentally responsible. Bring water in reusable bottles, avoid snacks that attract wildlife (especially as we move into the colder months) and remember to bring appropriate storage for all your items. This can include waterproof containers or bags, and things that are easily carried on board.

Remember when you are on a lake or any body of water, you are in someone else’s home. Do not disturb the wildlife, and avoid getting too close to beavers, ducks and any other animal that may call the lake home. These natural ecosystems are sensitive and while you may be curious to see a critter or two, this is their home and you need to respect and maintain your distance.

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the view and the experience! Day trips are great ways to maintain a healthy active lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful world around us. Take advantage of all the different ways you can enjoy the scenery- and share with us below your favorite lakes for fall views!